Ghana international David Accam has tipped Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Teye Partey to claim the Footballer of the Year award at the 2017 Swag Awards.

The former Almeria man has emerged as a strong candidate to claim the annual honour following a successful year at personal level.

It is, however, not a done deal for the Spain-based midfielder as he faces strong competition from in-form Red Star Belgrade striker and international teammate Richmond Boakye-Yiadom, Newcastle United ace Christian Atsu and Daniel Nii Adjei, who helped TP Mazembe win the 2017 Caf Confederation Cup.

“First of all, let me congratulate all four players on their nomination and for their great seasons so far,” Accam told Ghanasoccernet .

“Boakye is doing well in Serbia, Nii Adjei had a great season with TP Mazembe in Congo, Atsu is doing we ll in England with Newcastle and Partey is also performing for Atletico Madrid.

“I, however, think the race is a direct fight between Boakye Yiadom and Thomas Partey.

“It will be difficult for me to choose but I think Thomas Partey stands a better chance of winning the award.”

Partey was one of Ghana’s best men as the Black Stars reached the last four of last year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

He continued his fine form at club level, effectively rising to become one of the most important elements in Diego Simeone’s Atletico set-up.

Arsenal target Boakye, on the other hand, was in phenomenal form as he raked in an incredible 42 goals in 2017 for club and country.